While all blood types are needed, especially in the winter when it is tougher to collect blood and people get sick more often, O-negative is the most important because any patient can receive that type, Central Blood Bank spokeswoman Caitlyn Doyle said.

Only 37 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood based on medical history, travel history or medications, according to Central Blood Bank.

Prospective donors can call the blood bank before donating to find out if they are eligible. They also can find out after answering a series of questions at the donation site.

The average time commitment is 45 minutes to an hour from the time a donor walks in the door to the time the person leaves.

Mr. Sufrin said the biggest misconception about donating blood is that the process hurts.

It doesn't, he emphasized, and there are no side effects.

He noted that after donating, donors take a 15-minute rest and receive snacks provided by Central Blood Bank.

Mr. Sufrin donates blood roughly every two months.

"I do it because it is good for society; it saves lives and requires so little of us," he said.

"It is wonderful to see people getting the word out, and he knows because he has already donated 99 pints,'' Ms. Doyle said.

Donors may simply show up at Beth El, but reservations are requested at 1-866-DONORS1.

Donors also may donate at any Central Blood Bank site and use the code g0020005 to be credited to the Dec. 15 drive.

Join the conversation:

To report inappropriate comments, abuse and/or repeat offenders, please send an email to
socialmedia@post-gazette.com and include a link to the article and a copy of the comment. Your report will be reviewed in a timely manner.
Thank you.